randumbdots...
New member
Hi. I posted earlier this week, but I think I didn't do a great job of explaining what I'm trying for. Since I'm on my own, what I mainly need is just 2 or 4 in and 2 out interface to my computer and a good mic (eventually a compressor - I have a Nanocompressor that I probably won't use). I'll mainly be recording vocals (acapellas for mixes/mashups) and a bit of guitar/sequenced keys. After reading a lot, I'm considering the following firewire or USB interfaces that have xlr mic inputs with phantom power:
- Tascam US-122 - I'd choose this one I think if there weren't so many people talking about problems - it's 4 in / 2 out I think, including xlr inputs with decent mic pres, plus it has midi I/O -also now comes bundled with Cubase LE 3.0, which would probably meet my initial SW needs (& save me $) -this one costs $200, but like I said I get the software too
- M-Audio FireWire Solo plus an inexpensive USB midi interface - for the same price as the Tascam it provides a couple more input channels (that I'd rarely use, but nice to have for the future) - including the midi this solution will cost around $230 maybe -
- M-Audio Mobile Pre plus an inexpensive USB midi interface - this one's actually $150 - not sure about sound quality though - including the midi, this solution will cost around $170
- Edirol UA-25 USB Audio and MIDI Interface - this one has similar specs to the Tascam, but it's more like $240 (but it does include MIDI - no software bonus like the Tascam that I can tell, though). I guess it also has a built-in limiter, but I'm not sure how well it will work.
- I'm sure there are others
Does anyone have any comments on the mic pre quality on these? I would like them to be as quiet and neutral as possible. Right now, I'm leaning toward the Tascam, despite the instability risk, because I've heard the mic pres aren't bad, and the inclusion of Cubase LE is a bonus for me.
As far as mics, I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting either a Marshall MXLV67 or a Studio Projects B1.
Thanks.
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- Tascam US-122 - I'd choose this one I think if there weren't so many people talking about problems - it's 4 in / 2 out I think, including xlr inputs with decent mic pres, plus it has midi I/O -also now comes bundled with Cubase LE 3.0, which would probably meet my initial SW needs (& save me $) -this one costs $200, but like I said I get the software too
- M-Audio FireWire Solo plus an inexpensive USB midi interface - for the same price as the Tascam it provides a couple more input channels (that I'd rarely use, but nice to have for the future) - including the midi this solution will cost around $230 maybe -
- M-Audio Mobile Pre plus an inexpensive USB midi interface - this one's actually $150 - not sure about sound quality though - including the midi, this solution will cost around $170
- Edirol UA-25 USB Audio and MIDI Interface - this one has similar specs to the Tascam, but it's more like $240 (but it does include MIDI - no software bonus like the Tascam that I can tell, though). I guess it also has a built-in limiter, but I'm not sure how well it will work.
- I'm sure there are others
Does anyone have any comments on the mic pre quality on these? I would like them to be as quiet and neutral as possible. Right now, I'm leaning toward the Tascam, despite the instability risk, because I've heard the mic pres aren't bad, and the inclusion of Cubase LE is a bonus for me.
As far as mics, I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting either a Marshall MXLV67 or a Studio Projects B1.
Thanks.
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